Rural Business Development Grants support targeted
technical assistance, training, and other activities
leading to the development or expansion of small and
emerging private businesses in rural areas that have
fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross
revenues.

Capitalization of revolving loan funds including
funds that will make loans for start-ups and working
capital

Distance adult learning for job training and
advancement

Rural transportation improvement

Community economic development

Technology-based economic development

Feasibility studies and business plans

Leadership and entrepreneur training

Rural business incubators

Long-term business strategic planning

Eligibility

Rural public entities including, but not limited to:

Towns

Communities

State agencies

Authorities

Nonprofit corporations

Institutions of higher education

Federally-recognized Tribes

Rural cooperatives

Geographic coverage

Nationwide

Amount of funding

There is no maximum grant amount for enterprise type
grants; however, smaller requests are given higher
priority. Generally, grants range from $10,000 up to
$500,000.

Application process

Applications are accepted through USDA Rural
Development’s local or State offices once per year.
Applicants should contact local or state offices to learn
about local application timelines and requirements.

For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.

The Rural Health Information Hub is supported by the Health Resources
and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
under Grant Number U56RH05539 (Rural Assistance Center for Federal Office of Rural Health
Policy Cooperative Agreement). Any information, content, or conclusions on this website are
those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor
should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.